Slow Cooker Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Steaks

Enjoy tender turkey patties simmered in a rich, sun-dried tomato and parmesan cream sauce. This simple one-pot dinner is perfect for busy evenings when you want a hearty, flavorful meal without the hassle of standing over a hot stove.

By EasyCooks Kitchen

Published October 12, 20268 min read

Total time: 4 hrs 15 mins

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 4 hrs
Rest: 5 mins

Serves: 6; Makes 6 turkey patties
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 450; per serving, estimated

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Close-up of slow-cooked turkey burger steaks covered in a creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes.

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Elevate the dinner routine with these slow cooker turkey burger steaks that deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort. By combining savory turkey with a rich, velvety parmesan sauce and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish transforms basic ingredients into a sophisticated meal that is perfect for any night of the week. This method ensures the meat remains exceptionally moist and tender, absorbing all the aromatic Italian seasonings during the slow cooking process.

This recipe offers a stress-free approach to preparing a flavorful meal. By utilizing the slow cooker, the turkey patties are gently braised in a luscious parmesan cream sauce, creating a dish that feels like a special occasion but fits perfectly into a busy schedule. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs provides a vibrant, classic profile that pairs beautifully with various side dishes, making it a reliable and delicious choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.

The appeal

Why you’ll love it

The slow cooking method works by maintaining a low, steady temperature that gently cooks the turkey patties without drying them out. This process allows the proteins to remain succulent while the creamy parmesan sauce reduces slightly, intensifying the flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs. The result is a consistent, tender texture that is difficult to achieve with traditional pan-searing methods.
Furthermore, this technique allows the ingredients to meld together over time, creating a cohesive and deeply flavorful sauce that coats each patty perfectly. By keeping the lid on throughout the cooking process, moisture is trapped within the slow cooker, preventing the turkey from becoming tough. This hands-off approach ensures that the meal is ready to serve without the need for constant monitoring or intervention, providing a reliable and delicious outcome every single time.

What you need

Ingredients

4 ingredients

Servings

Makes 6 turkey patties.

6 ground turkey patties
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups creamy parmesan sauce, store-bought or made ahead

Contains:

Milk
Gluten

Tools

Equipment

Slow cooker
Small ramekin
Mixing bowl
Serving plate

Swaps

Substitutions

Instead ofCreamy parmesan sauce
UseA combination of heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese
Instead ofGround turkey patties
UseGround chicken patties

Good to know

Notes

When selecting ground turkey for this recipe, opt for a mixture that includes some dark meat if available, as it provides extra moisture and richness. If only lean ground turkey is available, ensure the patties are shaped consistently to avoid uneven cooking. The creamy parmesan sauce can be a high-quality store-bought version or a homemade bechamel base infused with freshly grated parmesan cheese for a more authentic flavor profile.

Regarding equipment, a standard oval slow cooker works best to accommodate the patties in a single layer. If you are using a smaller slow cooker, ensure the patties fit without overcrowding, as this can affect the cooking time. For substitutions, fresh basil or oregano can be used in place of dried Italian seasoning if desired, and roasted red peppers can serve as a flavorful alternative to sun-dried tomatoes if a different color or sweetness is preferred.

Prep

Before you start

Before beginning the cooking process, ensure that your slow cooker insert is clean and dry. Take the ground turkey patties out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before you plan to start, as this helps them cook more evenly. Prepare your sun-dried tomatoes by slicing them into thin, bite-sized pieces and have your Italian seasoning and creamy parmesan sauce ready to pour. Ensuring all ingredients are measured and accessible will make the assembly process smooth and efficient.

Step by step

Method

3 steps

Phase 1

Assembly Phase

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the turkey patties into the slow cooker insert, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking throughout the process. Gently nestle the patties side by side until the insert is comfortably filled.
You’ll need: ground turkey patties
Look for: The patties sit snug in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Tip: Ensure the patties are not stacked on top of each other to allow consistent heat distribution.

Checkpoint

At the end of this phase, the turkey patties should be arranged neatly in the bottom of the slow cooker, ready to receive the flavorings. Check that the patties are not overlapping and that your workspace is organized for the next step. The slow cooker insert should look clean, with the patties positioned to allow for maximum contact with the cooking surface and the impending sauce.

Phase 2

Flavoring Phase

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Sauce
Scatter the sliced sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the top of the turkey patties. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the patties and tomatoes. Finally, pour the creamy parmesan sauce over the entire dish, ensuring the patties are well-coated to lock in moisture during the slow cooking process.
You’ll need: sun-dried tomatoes · Italian seasoning · creamy parmesan sauce
Look for: The sauce covers the patties and seasonings.
Tip: Use a spatula to gently spread the sauce if necessary to ensure even coverage across all patties.

Checkpoint

By the end of this phase, the patties are blanketed with sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and the creamy parmesan sauce. Verify that the sauce is evenly distributed and that the seasonings cover the top of the patties. The slow cooker should now look ready for the long, slow braising process, with the ingredients beginning to mingle as you prepare to secure the lid.

Phase 3

Cooking Phase

Step 3: Slow Cook and Serve
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours until the turkey patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, carefully remove the patties and serve warm with the thickened sauce.
You’ll need: ground turkey patties
Internal temperature 165°F (74°C)
Look for: The patties are tender and the sauce is creamy and warm.
Tip: Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer to ensure safety.

Checkpoint

Once the cooking time is complete, the patties should be fully cooked, tender, and coated in a rich, thickened sauce. The aroma should be savory and inviting. Before serving, confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The sauce should be smooth and creamy, having absorbed the essence of the sun-dried tomatoes, signaling that the dish is ready for plating and enjoyment.

Doneness

How to tell it’s done

The turkey burger steaks are considered done when they are cooked through and have reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The patties should feel firm to the touch but remain tender. The sauce should be bubbling and thick, with the sun-dried tomatoes softened and fully incorporated into the creamy mixture. Use a reliable food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty to confirm that the safe temperature has been achieved throughout the meat.

Avoid these

Common mistakes

A common mistake is overcrowding the slow cooker, which prevents the patties from cooking evenly and can lead to a watery sauce. Ensure all patties are in a single layer. Another potential error is failing to use a thermometer to check for doneness, which is critical for food safety when cooking poultry. Additionally, avoid lifting the lid frequently during the cooking process, as this releases heat and moisture, significantly increasing the total cook time and potentially drying out the meat.

Cook safely

Food safety

Safe internal temperatures

Cook to at least these temperatures, measured with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part.

Minimum safe internal temperatures
Food	Minimum internal temperature
Poultry	165°F (74°C)
Ground meat	160°F (71°C)

Better results

Tips

Tip 1
For a deeper flavor profile, consider slightly browning the turkey patties in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker. This extra step adds a layer of complexity and color to the finished dish, although it is optional. If you choose to do this, ensure the patties are handled carefully to maintain their shape and do not overcook them, as they will continue to simmer in the slow cooker for several hours.
Tip 2
When serving, consider pairing these creamy steaks with a side of steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a light green salad to balance the richness of the parmesan sauce. The sauce is excellent when served over pasta or mashed potatoes as well, so feel free to double the sauce ingredients if you prefer a more generous portion for drizzling over your side dishes. Always allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute.

Make it yours

Variations

Spicy Tomato Turkey

Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick that complements the sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan perfectly.

Spinach and Parmesan Turkey

Stir in two cups of fresh baby spinach during the last 20 minutes of cooking for added color and a boost of vegetable texture.

On the table

Serving suggestions

Serve the turkey burger steaks warm, ensuring each portion is generously coated with the creamy parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce. Plating the patties on a bed of fresh herbs or alongside a side of crusty bread can enhance the presentation and provide a delicious way to soak up the remaining sauce. The dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of textures, from crisp roasted vegetables to soft, buttery mashed potatoes.

For a complete meal, consider adding a side of garlicky sautéed greens to cut through the richness of the parmesan sauce. The combination of the tender turkey and the savory, creamy sauce makes this an ideal centerpiece for a comforting weeknight dinner. Remember to serve immediately after the resting period to ensure the best texture and flavor, and always keep an eye on the temperature to ensure the meal is enjoyed at its peak quality.

Slow Cooker Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Steaks

Leftovers

Storage & make-ahead

Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month in a sealed container; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftover turkey patties and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the leftovers have cooled to room temperature, but do not leave them out for more than 2 hours before refrigerating to maintain food safety standards. When reheating, ensure the food reaches a safe temperature throughout, as this helps maintain the quality and safety of the creamy sauce and the poultry.

Make ahead

You can prepare the patties and have them ready in the slow cooker insert, but keep the sauce separate until you are ready to start the slow cooker. Avoid assembling the entire dish too far in advance, as the turkey can absorb the acidity from the sun-dried tomatoes and the sauce, potentially changing the texture of the meat. For best results, assemble and cook the dish on the day you plan to serve it.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Can this dish be made in an Instant Pot?

While this recipe is designed for a slow cooker, it can be adapted for a pressure cooker by reducing the liquid slightly and cooking on high pressure for about 15 minutes, followed by a natural release. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving to guarantee the turkey is fully cooked.

What is the best way to prevent the sauce from splitting?

The sauce is less likely to split if you use a high-quality parmesan and ensure the slow cooker is set to low heat. Avoid boiling the sauce, as high heat can cause the dairy components to separate. Stirring gently at the end of the cooking process helps to keep the sauce smooth and emulsified.

Can frozen turkey patties be used?

It is recommended to thaw the turkey patties completely in the refrigerator before placing them in the slow cooker. Cooking from frozen can result in uneven temperatures and may cause the patties to release too much liquid, which will thin out the parmesan sauce and affect the final texture of the dish.

Everything in one place: the recipe card below gathers the ingredients, steps and estimated nutrition, ready to print.

Recipe card